Physics Card

[Fez_Whatley]

Does anyone plan on getting one for UT 07? I think I read that they will be supported. I'm still not sure myself.

[DW_Bomzin]

Me . New technology. New Game . Let it all get out there and make sure there are no bugs to deal with . Maybe wait for second generation . Always go with the sure thing. Unless you have funds to blow on a possible mistake. Then go for it .

[DW_Wraith]

http://www.hothardware.com/viewarticle. ... =816&cid=2

I've been reading the hardware reviews of the physics card, and its a mixed outlook as far as you have lower framerates when using the physics card, the reviewers seemed to give it a mediocre rating, rather than a terrible one, just because it was a cool idea. $250US for a card that drops performance in order to provide (currently) negligable enhancements to three games - not very impressive.

While I wanted to get one as soon as they came out, things don't appear to be that great right now from what we were promised. I hope I'm wrong, I really want the thing to be as great as I heard it will be.

Maybe in a year or two they'll develop the technology to an interesting level, but right now it seems a bit pathetic.
:idea:

[DW_ToxicWaste]

I think this is one of those things where you do not get the 1.0 version, but wait for the 2.1 version.

For me, there's only 2 compelling reasons to get a physics accelerator. UT2K7, and Cell Factor (if it doesn't suck). UT2K7 isn't out for another 6+months, and CF even longer. I will wait.

I'll probably upgrade my whole machine by then anyway.

RIch[/b]

[kaeolian]

Does anyone know weather or not the second wave of physical cards will have been released by the time UT2k7 comes out ?

The idea sounds great and I will want one for my computer when playing UT, but if the first release of cards isnt worth the money, I dont want to be having to shell out the cash again when it comes to buying UT, so it all runs properly.

If i read the review right is seems that the only the lack of games supporting the technology to its full extent is holding it back, hopefuly UT2k7 will make full use of it and make for some really exciting game play, I may have to invest in one before release, only downfall is that I will be running a 64 CPU and hence win 64 hopefuly by the time I build my new rig (maby a months time) support will have been expanded to 64 bit XP, if not then I guess ill just have to wait...
(sorry if that doesnt make sence just been out to a chinese resteraunt with my work colleauges and had too much Carlsberg export... mmmm beer)

[Purity_the_Kitty]

PhysX so far hasn't even acknowledged Linux as an OS, let alone written drivers for it, so I won't be buying their cards. As far as I know they have a patent on physics accelerators, so it'll be 20 years before we actually see anything overly usable, Linux or not (because most Windows-only driver writers tend to write bad drivers - ATI anyone?).

[DW_Wraith]

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for windows XP-64 drivers. I've been waiting for Ergodex to send me beta drivers for the Ergodex gamepad which were *supposed* to be ready almost a full year ago. It's was the only missing piece of the puzzle needed for me to use 64 O/S on a permanant basis. They kept promising that a beta will come out soon, and I signed up for the beta program...I gave up on 64 bit support for XP, and have since wiped out XP-64 completely on my main machine. I have another computer where I have the XP 64 bit on it, and its ready to get wiped whenever I get bored. The 64 bit version has so little support, most printers are not supported, and I have alot of problems printing under winXP64 to a network HP laserjet printer. HP won't support the O/S so far (HP laserjet 1022 with HP Directjet printserver for network printing). At home. I really want to love XP-64 but it's a redheaded stepchild at the moment....I hope that Vista 64 bit will be better supported...

[DW_WailofSuicide]

Personally I think dedicated PPUs (PhysX) are dead in the water. It's been suggested that UT2007 will have some PhysX-only levels, but I suspect these will be ported to non-PhysX playability very easily.

What it comes down to is (a) most games can handle a few boxes and barrels bouncing around no problem, and hundreds of them is just excessive, and (b) huge changes like destruction of buildings can also be scripted, which has the same functional effect without needing a PPU. Unless there's some way to integrate the need for physics accelerators in the core game itself it's not going to pan out.

[Purity_the_Kitty]

Don't expect much from Vista then, Wraith; it's basically a re-release of XP with AeroGlass on it now. I wouldn't recommend anyone bother buying it.

Also...that Ergodex pad looks really neat, but highly specialized. The fact that there aren't any drivers besides a basic WinXP set doesn't suprise me. Most "software developers" are in fact short-sighted boobs unworthy of the title. Had they done things properly, a quick portability layer swap would have drivers in everyones' hands.

WailOfSuicide: Honestly I don't see how they could pull off a "PhysX-only level" without destroying the entire Internet with massive levels of lag lag lag laaaaaaagggagaggggg. Wow. That was weird, the lag must've been so powerful it went back in time for a second.

[DW_Wraith]

I read a review in Maximum PC about Vista, and it sounds like it may be improved in certain aspects, but I will take a wait-and-see approach. For as long as its taken, it better be a big improvement in whats left of it. Why Microsoft can't release major O/S updates on a 1-2 yar basis somewhat like Apple does is beyond me. Just make what is in XP better, and more refined, then work on additional functions as time goes by...